5 Car Repairs You Can Do On Your Own

Unless you’re a professional mechanic, the thought of working on your car can be daunting. However, there are a few simple repairs that even the most inexperienced car owner can do on their own.

What car repairs are covered by my car insurance?

Many drivers are not sure what kind of car repairs their insurance will cover. The best way to find out is to check with your insurance agent or read your policy carefully. There are a lot of coverage differences when you have liability vs. full coverage car insurance.

However, there are some general guidelines that can help you understand what is usually covered. For example, most insurance policies will cover repairs that are necessary to return your car to its pre-accident condition.

This includes repairs to the body, frame, and engine, as well as any mechanical parts that were damaged in the accident. If you need to replace your windshield or other glass, this will also typically be covered by your insurance.

In addition, many policies will cover the cost of a rental car if your car needs to be repaired for an extended period of time. So, if you’re ever wondering what kinds of repairs are covered by your car insurance, be sure to check with your agent or read your policy carefully. You’ll be glad you did.

How does filing a claim increase my car insurance rate?

Filing a claim usually means your rates will go up. How much your rates increase depends on many factors- how big of a claim, what state you live in, how many claims you’ve had in the past, etc. But, in general, filing a claim will lead to an increase in your car insurance rates.

There are a few things you can do to minimize the rate hike: shop around for a new policy before renewing your old one, take advantage of discounts (including loyalty discounts), and bundle your policies. Also, make sure you compare apples to apples when shopping for a new policy- some companies will offer low rates but skimp on coverage.

Or, you can just do the auto repair yourself and avoid making a claim altogether. The next time your car needs a little TLC, try one of these five easy DIY repairs.

1. Change Your Oil

This is one repair that you can’t afford to skip. Depending on your car’s make and model, you should change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Not sure how? There are plenty of helpful YouTube videos that can walk you through the process step-by-step. And don’t worry—changing your own oil is a lot less messy than it looks.

2. Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers are an essential safety feature, so it’s important to keep them in good working order. If your wipers are leaving streaks or skipping over sections of your windshield, it’s time for new ones. Replacing windshield wipers is a quick and easy repair that you can do in just a few minutes. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid getting pulled over for having faulty equipment.

3. Fix a Flat Tire

Getting a flat tire is never fun, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. If you have a spare tire in the trunk (and you should!), all you need to do is jack up the car, remove the old tire, and put on the new one. Don’t know how to change a tire? No problem! Just reference your car’s owner’s manual or search for a tutorial online.

4. Tighten Loose Screws and Bolts

Over time, screws and bolts can become loose, which can eventually lead to bigger problems down the road. To avoid more serious issues (and costly repairs), it’s always a good idea to give your car a once-over every now and then and tighten any loose screws or bolts that you may find. This is a super simple repair that anyone can do—no tools required!

5. Clean or Replace Your Air Filter

A dirty air filter can negatively affect your gas mileage and cause your engine to work harder than it needs to—which means it won’t last as long as it could. Most cars have easy-to-access air filters located under the hood, so there’s no excuse not to check yours every once in a while and clean or replace it as needed. Not sure how? Again, YouTube is your friend! A quick search will reveal dozens of videos showing you exactly what to do.

Even if you’re not mechanically inclined, there are still plenty of small repairs that you can do on your own without having to take your car into the shop (and spend a fortune). The next time your car needs some TLC, try one of these five simple DIY repairs and see how much money you can save!